Contributions to Elucidating Heterogeneous Chemistry Involving Ice Crystals and Aqueous Aerosols

Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, University Park PA

Investigators

Abstract

Laboratory experiments on atmospherically relevant chemical reactions involving clusters will be performed. These clusters mimic conditions in/on liquid or solid aerosols (ice crystals). Since both neutral and ionic reactions can be studied, the role of acid catalyzed or ionic mechanisms will be studied. An example is the stratospherically relevant reaction of chlorine nitrate with water on ice crystals, the exact mechanism of which is still under debate. Other experiments will include studies of photochemical reactions on clusters, the unimolecular dissociation of small organic compounds on clusters, ammonia solvation, and reactions relevant to sea salt particles. This project is supported jointly by the Atmospheric Chemistry Program and the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program.